I'm going to clown school!I recently learned that I have been accepted in the "clown school" program to be a participant in the Amtrak Cascades Character Clown Corps for the 2009 Portland Rose Festival. The clown program will be taught by professional clown Angel Ocasio.
Part of the reason I submitted my application for the program is that participating in such an activity is so extremely out of my comfort zone. I do think the experience will help me in many of my business activities - especially my growing number of public speaking opportunities. Besides, it should be a lot of fun.
Today I posted my first bLog-oMotives entry about my new adventure. As things progress I will provide updates.
I'm excited about being a genuine clown - and in the future, when people call me a "clown" I can respond that I really am!
Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Tweet! Tweet!
THAT is SUCH a great idea Jeff! What a way to push your boundaries AND have a great time doing it!
Come to think of it, this is a great idea for anyone in public speaking. Learn how to inject humor in your talks...people like it and keeps things from getting dull :)
puts on a red nose and big funny wig honks her horn HONK HONK!
Congratulations Jeff...I can relate from personal experience, having gone through a clown school here in Seattle with a local company a few years back.
It's an incredible journey of self-exploration...and there's a serious demand for clowns! If you market yourself the right way, you can make some big bucks.
IMO, it's preferable that they let you develop your own character and costume, and teach you the balloon twisting, some tricks, and the shtick.
Drop me a line if you have any questions...I'm happy to share more.
~P
For a professional engineer of creative idenity, you don't just talk the talk but are walking the walk. How refreshing. I bet you'll have a great time. I'm happy for you! Becoming humoranious. yoga guide
Thanks all!
Paul, no interest in making any career move as a clown. Just doing it for the experience of going through the process, developing my own clown persona/costume and learning the skills. Of course, the initial 5-6 public appearances - including the Amtrak National Train Day, the Junior Rose Parade and the nationally televised Grand Floral Parade - will be incredible experiences!
Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Tweet! Tweet!
Congratulations Jeff. The road to becoming a clown is a strenuous -- but fun! -- process. I haven't done it myself, unfortunately, but have done theatre at university that drew on some of the principles.
I'm proud of you for doing something profound outside your comfort zone.
I think you should meet Caelan Huntress here on Biznik. He lives here in Portland, too, and attended the prestigious Dell'Arte School of Physical Theatre, which provides full-time professional training in becoming a clown.
Caelan also is an accomplished flaming sword juggler, by the way.
Oops, thought that was a prerequisite for being a Biznik member? :)
Leif, I'm LMBO (Laughing My Bottom Off)!
Oh, I just looked back at my comment, and I wanted to clarify that it's the swords that are flaming. . . not Caelan.
Congratz Jeff! I auditioned for Ringling Bros. clown collage when I was 18. Didn't get in of course but it was fun to think about. Art T.
Totally exhausted, but thoroughly enjoying my clown school experience. Being a smart-ass is easy - but physical comedy (especially as an evolving character) is amazingly difficult and emotional. This is one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
Yesterday this was outside of my comfort zone. Today my fellow clowns made it my comfort zone.
More to come...
Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Tweet! Tweet!
Yesterday was my first public appearance as the clown "Toots Caboose." The Amtrak Cascades Character Clown Corps. an activity of the Portland Rose Festival, appeared at the National Train Day celebration at Portland's Union Station. Exhausting and exhilarating!
Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Tweet! Tweet!
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